UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Exol

Location: Wilmington, MA, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Development

Date Posted: June 05, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Conduct in-depth usability and resonance testing for advanced AI-powered robotic systems and supply chain software.

• Translate complex user needs and behaviors into actionable insights to drive product design and development strategy.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including UX Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers, to champion user-centered design principles.

• Utilize a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to validate concepts and identify opportunities for enhancing user experience in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

• Contribute to the evolution of cutting-edge warehouse automation technology by advocating for the end-user throughout the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of UX Researcher at Exol is positioned within a highly technical and innovative domain, focusing on AI-powered robotics and supply chain automation. This requires a researcher who can not only master standard UX research techniques but also apply them effectively to complex hardware-software integrated systems. The emphasis on "resonance testing" and "concept validation" suggests a need for understanding user emotions and strategic alignment, going beyond typical usability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute resonance testing to gauge user reactions, emotional responses, and alignment with proposed design concepts for robotics interfaces and software solutions.

• Plan and conduct concept validation studies to ensure that design concepts meet user needs and critical business objectives within the supply chain and robotics context.

• Develop and lead comprehensive usability testing sessions for prototypes, existing systems, and new features, meticulously identifying pain points and opportunities for improvement.

• Employ a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including user interviews, surveys, contextual inquiries, and behavioral observations, to deeply understand user behaviors, preferences, and challenges when interacting with complex robotic systems.

• Analyze and synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights, effectively communicating them through detailed reports, compelling presentations, and insightful visualizations to guide product and engineering teams.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with UX designers, product managers, and engineers, ensuring seamless integration of research insights into the product development lifecycle and iterative refinement of user experiences.

• Act as a dedicated advocate for user needs and perspectives throughout the entire product lifecycle, ensuring user-centered design principles are consistently prioritized.

• Proactively stay abreast of the latest UX research methodologies, emerging supply chain technologies, and advancements in robotics to continuously inform and enhance research practices and strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a deep dive into specific research types like resonance and concept validation, indicating a need for researchers who can handle nuanced user sentiment and strategic product direction. The emphasis on complex systems (robotics, supply chain) means that the researcher must be adept at understanding technical environments and user workflows within them.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Design, Anthropology, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is considered a significant advantage.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of professional industry experience specifically in User Experience (UX) research. Experience within technical systems, robotics, or supply chain industries is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in a wide array of UX research methodologies, including but not limited to resonance testing, concept validation, usability testing, user interviews, surveys, and ethnographic research.

• Hands-on experience with industry-standard UX research tools such as Miro for collaboration and ideation, UserTesting.com or Lookback for remote moderated/unmoderated testing, and similar platforms for conducting and analyzing studies.

• Foundational knowledge of data analysis tools, such as Microsoft Excel for data manipulation and basic analysis, SPSS for statistical analysis, or Tableau for data visualization.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex qualitative and quantitative data to derive meaningful, actionable insights.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present research findings clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholder groups, including technical teams and leadership.

• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively within fast-paced, cross-functional product development teams. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience conducting UX research for hardware-software integrated systems, with a particular emphasis on robotics or complex industrial equipment.

• Familiarity with supply chain operations, logistics, or warehouse automation processes and user workflows.

• Understanding of accessibility standards and guidelines, such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), to ensure the development of inclusive and universally usable user experiences.

• Experience with prototyping tools and their role in the research process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical application of research methods and tools, with a clear preference for candidates who have experience in technically complex domains like robotics or supply chain. The inclusion of specific tool names (Miro, UserTesting, Lookback, SPSS, Tableau) indicates the expected technology stack for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your process for conducting UX research from problem definition to actionable recommendations.

• For each case study, clearly outline the research objectives, methodologies employed (e.g., usability testing, interviews, resonance testing), participant profiles, and the specific tools used.

• Present the synthesized findings, key insights, and how these directly informed design decisions or product strategy, highlighting your impact.

• Quantify the impact of your research where possible, using metrics related to usability improvements, user satisfaction, or efficiency gains.

• Include examples of how you have translated research findings into tangible design artifacts or strategic recommendations. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate your ability to document research plans, including recruitment criteria, task scenarios, and moderation guides.

• Provide examples of how you synthesize and present research data, including affinity diagrams, user journey maps, personas, and detailed findings reports.

• Showcase your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams (designers, product managers, engineers) during the research process and in delivering findings.

• Illustrate your methods for advocating for user needs and ensuring research insights are effectively integrated into product development workflows and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Researcher role, a portfolio is crucial. The emphasis here is on demonstrating a structured research process, the ability to synthesize complex data, and the impact of research on product development. Specific mention of "resonance testing" and "concept validation" in the portfolio should be a key focus.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a UX Researcher with 2-5 years of experience in the Wilmington, MA area, the estimated salary range for this position is $96,000 - $132,000 annually. This range reflects the provided compensation details, considering the mid-level experience requirement and the specific technical domain.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans to support employee health and well-being.

• Disability insurance coverage to provide financial security in case of unforeseen circumstances.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match, to support long-term financial goals.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, personal days, and sick leave, promoting work-life balance.

• Potential for other benefits as typically offered by technology companies in this sector.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position with a standard work week. The provided information suggests 40 hours per week. The role is designated as Hybrid, implying a balance between in-office and remote work, with specific days in the office likely determined by team needs and management guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $96,000 - $132,000 is directly sourced from the input and is considered competitive for a mid-level UX Researcher in the Massachusetts technology hub. The benefits listed are standard for full-time roles in the US tech industry. The hybrid work arrangement is a key detail for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automation Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Supply Chain Logistics. Exol (Symbotic) operates at the forefront of transforming supply chain management through advanced AI-powered robotics and software. This industry context implies a culture that values innovation, cutting-edge technology, and data-driven decision-making.

Company Size: Exol is part of Symbotic, which is a significant player in the automation technology sector. The company's growth and impact on large retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies indicate a scale that supports specialized roles like UX Research while maintaining an innovative spirit.

Founded: Symbotic was founded with a mission to revolutionize warehouse automation. The company's history is rooted in developing intelligent software that orchestrates advanced robots, aiming for increased efficiency, speed, and flexibility in supply chain operations. This foundation suggests a culture that encourages problem-solving and pushing technological boundaries.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research function at Exol likely sits within a broader Product Development or Engineering organization. The team may consist of dedicated UX Researchers, UX Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers, forming cross-functional product teams.

• Reporting structures will likely involve a UX Research Lead or Manager, who oversees research strategy and execution, and potentially reports into a Director of Product or VP of Engineering.

• Collaboration is expected to be high, with UX Researchers working closely with Product Managers to define research objectives, UX Designers to iterate on designs based on findings, and Engineers to understand technical constraints and implement solutions. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights methods will be central, focusing on deriving actionable intelligence from user interactions with complex robotic systems.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be key, as the research directly impacts the efficiency and usability of supply chain operations.

• Automation and efficiency practices are inherent to the company's mission, and UX research will aim to enhance the user's interaction with these automated systems.

Company Website: http://www.symbotic.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context as Symbotic, a leader in AI-powered robotics for supply chain, is critical. This means the UX Researcher will be working on highly technical, complex systems with significant real-world impact. The culture is likely fast-paced, innovative, and deeply rooted in engineering and technological advancement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Mid-Level, typically requiring 2-5 years of dedicated experience. It signifies a professional who can independently manage research projects, apply a range of methodologies, and contribute meaningfully to product strategy, moving beyond foundational research tasks.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will likely report to a UX Research Manager or Lead, who mentors and guides research strategy. They will also work closely with Product Managers and UX Designers within specific product teams, contributing to their respective roadmaps and development cycles. This structure allows for both specialized guidance and cross-functional integration.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's impact is directly tied to enhancing the efficiency, usability, and adoption of Exol's sophisticated AI-powered robotics and software platform. By ensuring these systems are intuitive and effective for users (e.g., warehouse operators, supervisors), the researcher directly contributes to the company's ability to deliver on its promise of increased speed, agility, and accuracy in supply chain operations, ultimately impacting customer satisfaction and Exol's market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized research areas like resonance testing, concept validation, and quantitative analysis, particularly within the context of industrial automation and robotics.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Potential to lead research initiatives for significant product features, influencing product roadmaps and collaborating with senior stakeholders across Product, Engineering, and Design.

• Mentorship and Team Development: As experience grows, opportunities may arise to mentor junior researchers or contribute to the development of research best practices and standards within the organization.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen knowledge in supply chain logistics and robotics UX, becoming a subject matter expert in a niche but critical field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section is adapted to reflect how UX Research contributes to the operational efficiency and success of Exol's core business, which is supply chain automation. Growth opportunities are framed around skill development within this specialized domain and potential leadership roles within the UX research function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. The Wilmington, MA location is an HQ, suggesting it's a primary hub for engineering, product development, and potentially research teams.

Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is Wilmington, MA, USA. This area is part of the Greater Boston tech corridor, offering a dynamic environment for technology professionals. Specific details about office amenities or workspace setup would require direct inquiry, but it's expected to be a modern office environment conducive to collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates effective collaboration tools and practices for seamless teamwork between remote and in-office members. Expect regular team meetings, design critiques, and research review sessions.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to standard UX research software, collaboration platforms (like Miro), and potentially specialized hardware or simulation environments relevant to robotics research.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with UX designers, product managers, and engineers, fostering a shared understanding of user needs and product goals. Regular in-office days are crucial for spontaneous discussions and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in scheduling, but core hours will likely be established to ensure team availability and participation in meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment description is tailored to a tech company with a physical headquarters, emphasizing the need for strong remote collaboration tools and in-office synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on relevant UX research experience and qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth conversation about your experience, research methodologies, and understanding of user-centered design principles. Expect questions about your approach to resonance testing and concept validation.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present 1-2 case studies from your portfolio, detailing your process, insights, and impact. This is a critical stage to showcase your practical skills.

• Team Interviews: Interviews with UX Designers, Product Managers, and potentially Engineers to assess your collaborative style, communication skills, and how well you integrate into a cross-functional team.

• Skills-Based Challenge (Optional): You might be given a small take-home assignment or a live exercise to assess your problem-solving and research planning abilities.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your research approach (methodologies, tools), key findings, your specific contributions, and the impact of your work.

• Highlight Resonance and Validation: Explicitly showcase projects where you conducted resonance testing or concept validation, detailing how you measured user sentiment and validated strategic direction.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your research (e.g., improved task completion rates, reduced error rates, increased user satisfaction scores).

• Showcase Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional teams, translating research insights into actionable recommendations that were embraced and implemented.

• Tailor to Exol: If possible, subtly align your case studies with the context of complex technical systems or supply chain/logistics challenges, demonstrating an understanding of Exol's domain.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research Exol's AI-powered robotics and supply chain solutions. Familiarize yourself with typical user workflows and challenges in warehouse automation.

• Practice Research Design: Be prepared to outline a research plan for a hypothetical problem related to robotics or supply chain software, including target users, methodologies, and key research questions.

• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your thought process and rationale for research decisions concisely and logically.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides tactical advice for navigating the interview process, specifically emphasizing how to present a portfolio that aligns with the role's unique requirements, such as resonance testing and complex systems.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Hotjar, Maze, UserZoom for conducting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative user research studies, including usability, resonance, and concept validation.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural for collaborative brainstorming, affinity mapping, journey mapping, and research synthesis.

• Prototyping & Design Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (familiarity is beneficial for understanding design outputs and for potential collaboration on prototypes).

• Data Analysis & Visualization: Microsoft Excel (advanced functions), SPSS, R, or Python for statistical analysis of quantitative data; Tableau or Power BI for creating insightful dashboards and visualizations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/Product Analytics: Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel (understanding how users interact with digital interfaces within the broader system).

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in creating clear, concise reports and presentations using tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote, often incorporating data visualizations.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) is beneficial for understanding how user data might be managed and leveraged, though not a direct research tool.

• Project Management Tools: Jira, Asana, Trello for managing research tasks, timelines, and collaborating with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section lists relevant tools for a UX Researcher, emphasizing platforms for research execution, data analysis, and collaboration, which are critical for this hybrid, technical role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value that drives all research activities, ensuring that user needs, behaviors, and feedback are at the forefront of product decisions. This translates to a deep empathy for the end-user.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using robust qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategy, validate hypotheses, and measure the impact of design changes, moving beyond assumptions.

• Innovation and Excellence: A commitment to pushing technological boundaries in AI-powered robotics and supply chain automation, fostering an environment where creative solutions and continuous improvement are valued.

• Collaboration and Transparency: Encouraging open communication and teamwork across disciplines, ensuring that research insights are shared effectively and contribute to collective problem-solving.

• Efficiency and Agility: Reflecting the company's mission, the culture likely values efficient processes and the ability to adapt quickly to new findings and evolving project requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Researchers are expected to work seamlessly with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Engineers, acting as a bridge between user needs and technical development.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment that encourages open dialogue and constructive feedback loops during design reviews, research debriefs, and project planning.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote sharing research findings, best practices, and learnings across the team and potentially the wider organization to foster continuous learning and collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are inferred from the company's mission and industry, emphasizing user focus, data, innovation, and collaboration, which are key for success in a technical UX research role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Systems: Researching user interactions with sophisticated AI-powered robotics and integrated software systems requires a deep understanding of technical constraints and user workflows in industrial environments.

• Bridging User Needs and Technical Feasibility: Effectively translating user insights into practical, implementable solutions that align with the complex engineering and operational requirements of robotics and supply chain automation.

• Measuring Impact in a Niche Domain: Quantifying the precise impact of UX research on operational efficiency, safety, and user satisfaction within a specialized industrial context can be challenging.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying current with the fast pace of AI, robotics, and supply chain technology, and adapting research methodologies accordingly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Research Skills: Opportunities to become an expert in applying research methodologies to hardware-software integrated systems, robotics, and industrial automation.

• Industry Immersion: Gaining in-depth knowledge of supply chain logistics, warehouse operations, and the practical application of AI in automation.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Deepening understanding of engineering principles, AI/ML concepts, and product management strategies relevant to advanced technology products.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to grow into a lead researcher role, mentoring junior team members and influencing research strategy for major product initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the unique technical domain and the nature of industrial automation, while growth opportunities focus on specialization and leadership within this niche.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you conducted resonance testing. What was the goal, what did you learn, and how did it influence the product?" (Focus on process, insights, and impact).

• "How would you approach validating a new concept for a robotic arm interface that needs to be intuitive for warehouse operators with varying technical backgrounds?" (Demonstrate your research planning and user segmentation skills).

• "Walk me through a complex UX research project you led. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them to deliver actionable insights?" (Highlight problem-solving, methodology, and collaboration).

• "How do you balance user needs with technical constraints when providing recommendations for complex systems like robotics?" (Showcase your pragmatic approach and understanding of engineering realities). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Exol's work in AI-powered robotics and supply chain automation?" (Research the company's mission, products, and recent news).

• "How do you see your UX research skills contributing to the success of our robotic systems and software?" (Connect your experience to the specific challenges and goals of Exol).

• "Describe your ideal collaboration with UX Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers. How do you ensure your research findings are understood and acted upon?" (Emphasize communication and teamwork). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame your case studies as narratives, guiding the interviewer through the problem, your process, the findings, and the impact.

• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your methodology choices and how they were best suited to answer your research questions.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, charts, diagrams) to illustrate your findings and recommendations.

• Quantify Results: Highlight any metrics or data that demonstrate the success or impact of your research.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, tools, and decision-making. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific role, emphasizing resonance testing, concept validation, and the technical domain of robotics and supply chain.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Exol/Symbotic careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with resonance testing, concept validation, and usability testing. Use keywords from the job description, such as "AI-powered robotics," "supply chain," "human-computer interaction," and specific research tools.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best showcase your research process, ability to synthesize complex data, and impact on product development, particularly if they involve technical systems or complex workflows. Be ready to present these effectively.

• Prepare for Behavioral and Situational Questions: Practice answering questions about your collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and how you advocate for users in a technical environment.

• Research Exol/Symbotic: Understand the company's mission, its AI-powered robotics platform, and its impact on the supply chain industry. This will help you articulate your interest and tailor your responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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